Lurie dismisses talk of Eagles welcoming Koetter

PHILADELPHIA -- Eagles owner Jeff Lurie dismissed reports that the Eagles would meet to discuss their head coaching vacancy with Dirk Koetter, the offensive coordinator of the Atlanta Falcons.

"No, we have contacted no coaches," Lurie said Monday at NovaCare Center. "That is all starting today. There (are) no trips planned and there is nothing planned yet. That is all to be done."

Despite Lurie's denial, don't be surprised to see the 53-year-old Koetter make a tour through Philadelphia, Kansas City and Cleveland, who all have head coaching openings.

Koetter is a friend with Andy Reid, axed Monday by the Eagles after a 14-year stay as head coach.

The Eagles definitely will consider college coaches, according to Lurie.

Chip Kelly, who leads Oregon into their Thursday night Fiesta Bowl game against Kansas State, is on their short list, according to sources.

"I think he's a great coach," said Eagles linebacker Casey Matthews, who played for Kelly at Oregon. "He's a great motivator. I think players really respect him.

"He's very feisty," Matthews added about Kelly. "You've seen him in interviews. He's just a fun guy to play for. I think the fans would enjoy Chip. The way he carries himself, the interviews, I think they'll follow along. I think they'll back him.

"He's very passionate. He enjoys what he does."

Also on the Eagles' short list according to reports is Penn State coach Bill O'Brien, although he has a $9 million buyout compared to $3.25 million for Kelly.

Reid, by the way, has vowed to return to coaching.

Don't be surprised if he surfaces in San Diego or Kansas City, who fired their head coaches Monday.